Bourgogne Epineuil 2023 Domaine Dominique Gruhier

The Bourgogne Épineuil 2023 from Domaine Dominique Gruhier is an entry point into this producer's pure, vibrant Pinot Noirs, and one of Burgundy's finest values for those seeking a precise, mineral red at an honest price. From the village of Épineuil, Dominique Gruhier works soils laden with oyster fossils, the same Kimmeridgian limestone found fifteen minutes south in Chablis. His organic Pinot Noir is mineral and bright, marked by tart cherry, rose petals, smoke and dried leaves, with the natural acidity that makes it sing. A Burgundy wine of real integrity.

Terroir and vineyard

This Bourgogne Épineuil comes from various parcels across the domaine, planted on south and southeast facing slopes up to 45 degrees in gradient. The soils are entirely Kimmeridgian, those oyster-fossil-rich clay-limestone formations dating back 150 million years, shared with neighbouring Chablis. This geological substrate is what gives this Pinot Noir its signature character: a saline, chalky minerality, natural freshness and acid tension that create an almost unique lightness and precision within Burgundy's reds. The average vine age is 40 years. Viticulture has been certified organic since 2015. Winemaking is minimalist: 10 to 20 percent whole bunches depending on vintage, fermentation with wild yeast for two to three weeks with punchdowns, ageing eight to twelve months in used barrels. Sulphur is added only a few months before bottling, at just 25 to 30 ppm.

Tasting profile

The robe is a luminous ruby red with violet glints, lively and bright. The nose opens with immediate freshness and vitality: tart cherry, fresh raspberry, rose and delicate floral notes emerge with spontaneity, accompanied by a light touch of smoke, dried leaves and precise Kimmeridgian minerality. Partial whole-bunch fermentation adds extra spice and floral notes that bring natural, well-defined complexity to the bouquet. On the palate, the attack is frank and fresh, with fine-grained ripe tannins and lively natural acidity that bring lift, tension and drinkability to a light, precise structure. The texture is silky, the fruit snappy and juicy, with a mineral and persistent finish of lovely saline length. A Pinot Noir to serve slightly cool, surprising in its precision and freshness, and for curious drinkers a discovery of Burgundy's most genuine and understated terroirs.

The domaine

Domaine de l'Abbaye du Petit Quincy is a beautiful former Cistercian dependency dedicated to wine production since the thirteenth century. Taken over in 1989 by Jean-Paul Gruhier and his son Dominique, the domaine now spans more than 32 hectares of certified organic vineyard, producing 14 different cuvées sold in over 30 countries worldwide. Since 1999, Dominique has committed to organic production and additive-minimal winemaking, to preserve the purity of fruit and authentic expression of Épineuil's Kimmeridgian terroir.

Food pairings

This Bourgogne Épineuil pairs beautifully with eggs in red wine sauce, herb-roasted chicken, quality charcuterie, grilled salmon, aged cheeses such as young Comté or fine goat cheese. Serve slightly cool between 14 and 16 degrees Celsius, with fifteen minutes of air before opening. This iodine-edged and mineral red will pleasantly surprise those discovering the Kimmeridgian Pinot Noir of northern Burgundy for the first time.